Crewe Alexandra has been re-named "Crewe Aleksandr" for the opening week of the 2026/27 season, in celebration of Compare the Market becoming an official partner of the English Football League (EFL).

Rumours first started circulating when Aleksandr was spotted fitting a "Crewe Aleksandr" sign at Crewe's Mornflake Stadium alongside club legend, Dean Ashton, on Monday 10 August.

Compare the Market, the EFL and Crewe Alexandra have since revealed the "Crewe Aleksandr" re-naming will span the duration of the season's opening week to mark the beginning of a landmark new partnership.

Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market, Tom Wallis, said: "We're so proud to become a partner of the EFL and have the privilege to be able to support and celebrate the communities who make football so special.

"We can't wait for fans up and down the country at the 72 clubs to see the exciting plans we've got in store for match days and more.

"Partnering with Crewe Alexandra to put our very own fan-favourite, Aleksandr, into the EFL conversation for the season's opening week has been a lot of fun."

The partnership's first season will celebrate the EFL's famous clubs and proud fanbases, while offering exclusive rewards and monthly prize draws to fans via the Compare the Market app, and generating support for football communities through funding initiatives.

Chief Commercial Officer at the EFL, Ben Wright, said: "Compare the Market is one of the UK's most recognisable and trusted consumer brands, and we are delighted to welcome them as an Official Partner of the EFL.

"Their reach, profile and originality make them an excellent fit for our competitions and our Clubs.

"Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing supporters closer to the game through distinctive rewards, engaging activations and experiences that reflect the personality and reach of the EFL, beginning with a launch moment designed to bring the partnership to life.

"Renaming Crewe Alexandra as 'Crewe Aleksandr' is a light-hearted way to launch the partnership and gives supporters an early taste of the fun and creativity they can expect across all 72 clubs throughout the season."

With Compare the Market's much-loved meerkats at its core, the partnership will celebrate what EFL fandom means to different clubs and communities across the 72, supporting the local teams and supporters that put the soul into football.

Crewe Alexandra legend and broadcaster, Dean Ashton, said: "As a former player and now a pundit myself, I know what EFL football is all about.

"Compare the Market is tapping into what fans care about and there are going to be lots of fun moments to come, starting with the renaming of my beloved Crewe Aleksandr to kick things off."

Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The first draw takes place on Thursday 13 August. Buy a ticket for just £2.